So far in this
series of studies on the great challenge David offered his son Solomon, we
have considered what it means to really “Know God” and how to “Serve Him
Faithfully.”After David
impresses upon his son the importance of this relationship, and how faithful
service must be the result, he then tells Solomon that God will know if he
is a true servant.In 1st
Chronicles 28:9, David tells him, “For the Lord searches all hearts and
understands all the intent of the thoughts.” Imagine Solomon as he listens
to his father David and is told he will be working for the one true God, who
knows his every thought and detail of his heart.That had to be very sobering!As you and I “know” and “serve” the same God, the One True and Living
God, what is our motivation?The
very fact that God knows everything we think, and every little detail of our
hearts, should be very sobering for us as well!

In Jesus’
earthly ministry we find examples where He knew exactly what was in the
heart of man.Matthew 9:1-4, is
but one occasion where Jesus is either questioned, or accused of something.In this case he is thought to be guilty of blasphemy, and verse 4
tells us, “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil
in your hearts?’”In Revelation
2:23, to the “Angel of the church in Thyatira” Jesus said, “I am He who
searches the minds and hearts.”
When God looks at our hearts, what does He see?Is it a heart that praises Him, no matter the circumstance in our
lives?We must be people who are
thankful for life itself, and the great opportunity we have to serve Him.

(To
read the rest of the issue, click on the current issue link on the left.)